Finest Filtered Water Bottles of 2023

Filtered water bottles have turn into a must have merchandise for hundreds of thousands, and there are all types of causes for wanting one. Possibly the water popping out of your faucet is contaminated with lead. Possibly your nicely has PFAS. Or possibly you journey rather a lot to areas with common norovirus outbreaks. Possibly you simply hate the style of chlorine in your water. To raised perceive which of the perfect filtered water bottles meet these totally different wants, I paired a deep dive on the licensed testing completed on every product with a area check to see that are the simplest and most satisfying to make use of each day. 

How I Examined the Finest Filtered Water Bottles

The perfect filtered water bottle for you relies upon largely on what your wants are. Some folks have entry to best-in-class municipal water and aren’t on the lookout for something greater than a slight discount within the style of chlorine and different components. Different folks have extra severe points with the water popping out of their faucet, together with norovirus, lead, and PFAS. After contemplating your causes for wanting a filtered water bottle, check out the beneath desk to determine which of the bottles on this check meet your wants. 

When taking a look at this chart, “no” signifies that there was no out there testing information on whether or not a filtered water bottle was capable of take away contaminants.

The protected degree requirements within the above tables are pulled from quite a few totally different governmental laws. The chemical contaminant protected degree requirements and the disinfectant and additive protected degree requirements are expressed in milligrams per liter and are pulled from the EPA’s Nationwide Major Ingesting Water Laws. The bodily contaminant ranges are expressed as the quantity that they’re able to take away in %. At current there isn’t any commonplace for what degree of microplastics are protected to have in consuming water. The EPA commonplace for protozoa, micro organism, and viruses, organic contaminants, is 0, which is why chlorine is usually added to public consuming water provides.

Water filters sometimes depend on the dimensions of the gaps between the hole fiber membranes (sometimes .1 micron, however might be as little as .01 micron) to take away protozoa and micro organism. The protected degree commonplace for what % of contaminants are left after being run by a given filter are from NSF Protocol P231, which is usually used for backcountry water filters. The PFAS protected degree requirements are expressed in milligrams per liter and are pulled from the EPA’s Proposed PFAS Nationwide Major Ingesting Water Regulation.  

From speaking to producers of filtered water bottles, I realized that the testing is sort of costly, and that sometimes they find yourself paying for every chemical they check individually. As such, there could also be situations within the above desk the place a filter is ready to filter a selected chemical however the producer merely didn’t have testing information to help this. 

Subsequent I regarded on the price, contemplating each the upfront price and the way the everyday lifetime of a unit and substitute cartridge prices would add up over the course of a yr. I additionally carried out a number of checks to raised perceive how satisfying every filtered water bottle was to make use of. For many individuals, the first function of a filtered water bottle is to enhance the style of in any other case protected faucet water, in order that they will take pleasure in being extra hydrated all through the day. Others need to scale back the chance of buying bottled water to minimize their carbon footprint. For nonetheless others, it’s for well being and security. 

Throughout my area checks, I regarded first relaxed of use, figuring out how simple or troublesome it was to drink water from every filtered water bottle. For this check, I recruited my household, together with my 4-year-old, to present me their suggestions. Subsequent I thought-about the style of every filter, each when a filter was model new and over the course of consuming a number of liters of water. I additionally checked how a lot water every filter was really able to holding by filling every to capability after which pouring the water contained in every to an empty Nalgene. I then refilled every water bottle and drank as a lot as I might out of every, after which measured the water that was nonetheless left within the backside, and deleted that from the usable quantity of water in every bottle. 

To additional perceive the efficiency of those filtered water bottles, I additionally checked out how simple they had been to make use of, ranking them for each the issue in pulling filtered water out of them and in addition taking a look at how troublesome it was to take away and reset the cartridge. Lastly, after cleansing every bottle totally, I graded every on the style of the water they produced.

Finest Filtered Water Bottles: Opinions & Suggestions

Finest General: Epic Water Filter Epic Nalgene

Key Options

• Capability: 32 ounces (acknowledged); 31 ounces (precise)
• Filters out micro organism, protozoa, lead, nitrate, atrazine, PFOS, PFOA
• NSF/ANSI 42, 53, P231, and 401 
• Filter Sort: Nano fiber filter (outer) and carbon fiber filter (interior)

Professionals

• Filters out a wide selection of contaminants from microplastics to result in PFAS
• Straightforward to go looking checklist of contaminants the Epic filters
• Subscription program makes it simpler to recollect to vary your filter
• Made within the USA

Cons

• Pricier than different choices I checked out
• Simply falls wanting offering enough safety on virus filtering

As employees author at Outside Life, most of my time evaluating merchandise is spent out within the area, getting my palms soiled. That was not the case with the perfect filtered water bottles; as an alternative, most of my time was spent attempting to trace down data on what testing had been completed to validate a given filter’s potential to filter any variety of contaminants, from PFAS to result in chlorine to giardia. For a number of merchandise, I needed to question to trace down the testing outcomes. 

The Epic water filter had among the greatest transparency of any of the filtered water bottles I checked out. They’d a chart on the product web page on the web site itemizing the proportion elimination of assorted contaminants, and a hyperlink (considerably buried however fairly simple to seek out) to much more full testing outcomes. This can be overkill for people merely on the lookout for some higher tasting water, however if in case you have a selected contaminant you’re involved about in your nicely water or municipal water provide, this chart is important. 

One thing else I appreciated about Epic is that they’ve a reduction arrange on their web site for ordering their filters as a subscription. One of many largest causes that filtered water bottles get a foul rap is that individuals don’t change out their filters usually sufficient. When you’re utilizing a filter that’s meant to wash out contaminants like lead or PFAS, outdated filters may very well cease working. Filters that don’t filter out a lot past chlorine can find yourself with micro organism constructed up inside them over time, making them much less wholesome than should you had been simply consuming faucet water. 

Within the area, the Epic was additionally one of many filtered water bottles I grabbed for most frequently. The Nalgene housing felt acquainted in my hand and I favored that the straw was extra of an oblong form than a circle. Functionally, it has about one ounce much less capability than it states (as a result of house contained in the bottle the filter is taking on), however that’s a minor quibble. Whereas this filtered water bottle had a noticeably dangerous style firstly of testing, it improved quickly and was on par with the remainder of the filters in my check by the second day. 

Merely put, the Epic Water filter is a simple to make use of system that protects towards nearly every thing. The one Achilles heel that I ran throughout throughout my evaluate of their information was that their filter solely removes 99.95 % of viruses, whereas 99.99 % is the usual set by NSF P231, which is the usual used for well being and sanitation. In case you are touring to part of the world that has a identified difficulty with norovirus or different virus contaminants, err on the facet of warning and select a filter that’s identified to take away these contaminants out to the right decimal level, such because the Grayl GeoPress or the MSR Guardian. 

Finest for Worldwide Journey: Grayl GeoPress

Key Options

• Capability: 24 ounces
• Filters out micro organism, protozoa, viruses, microplastics, and chlorine
• NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 
• Filter Sort: Electroadsorption and ultra-powdered activated carbon

Professionals

• Protects towards viruses
• Straightforward to drink from

Cons

• Costly
• Requires some elbow grease to run by the filter

In case you are touring to part of the world the place norovirus or rotavirus (or hepatitis A, or enterovirus) are identified to be a problem, the Grayl GeoPress is the filtered water bottle for you. Not solely is it the one filtered water bottle I checked out that was able to dealing with viruses, however its counterpart, the UltraPress, additionally survived my check of the greatest backpacking water filters. In that check, I ran water filters by more and more gnarly water circumstances to see which had been nonetheless able to filtering on the opposite facet. Whereas sluggish on the finish, the Grayl simply squeaked by.  

In contrast to the opposite filtered water bottles in my check, the Grayl GeoPress doesn’t depend on you to suck the water by the filter to perform. There are a number of benefits to this. First, it’s rather a lot much less annoying to drink out of than different filtered water bottles. It can be shared with different relations, together with babies, with out having to fret about whether or not or not they will create sufficient suction to make the filter work. 

This filter works extra like a french press. You fill the underside reservoir with water, after which push the filter down on prime of it. This works fairly nicely, however it does require some severe leverage. Usually I put the reservoir on the ground after which use my physique weight to push down on prime of the filter. That’s high-quality in my kitchen (and would even be within the backcountry) however it’s attainable that you’d be much less excited to run by this operation should you had been in a public setting, like an airport or a restaurant. Be mindful your deliberate use earlier than making a ultimate buy. 

Whereas Grayl doesn’t presently have their testing specs listed on-line for customers to test, they had been capable of ship me information to confirm the ends in the above desk. 

Longest Filter Lifespan: Sawyer Private Water Filtration Bottle

Key Options

• Capability: 34 ounces (acknowledged); 32 ounces (precise)
• Filters out micro organism, protozoa, atrazine, and chlorine
• NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 
• Filter Sort: Hole fiber membrane

Professionals

• Filter can be utilized nearly indefinitely (with correct care)
• Straightforward to drink out of

Cons

• Testing on widespread contaminants, together with lead, PFAS, and arsenic was unavailable
• Extra setup and items than different filtered water bottles I checked out 

The Sawyer Mini (the filter inside their private water filtration bottle) has lengthy been a mainstay of backpacking and thru-hiking. It has a wonderful fame for holding folks protected from micro organism and protozoa (though not viruses) and is as efficient as something I checked out in lowering the style of chlorine in faucet water. Of all of the filtered water bottles I examined, this one was the closest to consuming out of an everyday straw, by way of its design and its movement fee. It’s also the one filter making one particular declare: 100,000 gallons.

I’m going to degree with you: I don’t assume backpackers are getting 100,000 gallons (370,000 liters) out of the Sawyer filters, or any filter for that matter. There’s simply an excessive amount of muck within the water they’re working with, too many different components to account for, together with the potential to wreck or drop the filter. And whereas the unique Sawyer filter was the one one in my check of the perfect backpacking water filters to wrap the check with a sooner movement fee that it began with, the Sawyer Mini did expertise a noticeable slowdown in movement fee, even after backflushing.

However that’s when it’s challenged with among the grodiest water, stuffed with muck and sediment, that I might discover. When you’re filling your bottle out of the faucet, it could very nicely final that lengthy. Whereas nobody but has examined one among Sawyer’s filters out to 370,000 liters, Messiah School did check the Sawyer out to 230,000 liters and located that it was nonetheless eradicating micro organism and protozoa previous the necessities set by the EPA. When you drank 4 liters of water a day, it could take you over 150 years to drink that a lot water, so this looks as if as shut as you will get to a lifetime assure for a water filter. 

In fact, this assumes common care. The Sawyer Private Water Filtration Bottle comes with a backflush plunger that you will want to carry onto, and use frequently, so as to protect the movement. 

Finest Comfortable Bottle: LifeStraw Peak Sequence

Key Options

• Capability: 34 ounces (acknowledged); 32 ounces (examined)
• Filter out micro organism, parasites, and microplastics
• NSF P231
• Filter Sort: Hole-core membrane microfilter

Professionals

• Collapsible
• Light-weight
• Lengthy-lasting filter

Cons

The LifeStraw Peak Sequence was assistant editor Ashley Thess’s decide for the perfect filtered possibility in her evaluate of the perfect water bottles. Right here’s what she needed to say: Light-weight and collapsible, the LifeStraw Peak Sequence comfortable bottle is the proper water bottle for borderline adventures. these lengthy runs or scorching days the place your typical water bottle or bladder won’t reduce it. Carry this filtered squeeze bottle alongside simply in case it’s essential replenish at a stream or lake. With this bottle you don’t need to deliver a water filter and soiled bag simply to refill your provide. There’s additionally no must contaminate a clear bottle with soiled water; the LifeStraw Peak is perpetually stuffed with unclean water and filters as you drink.

This wouldn’t be sufficient for me to filter water on a backpacking journey, however it’s good for excursions the place you’ll frequent watering holes or stroll alongside a river so you will get away with carrying much less liquid. The bag is extremely sturdy and doesn’t acquire sand or dust simply. The consuming nozzle can be protected by an hooked up mud cap. The attachment loop is useful to carry the filtering cap in your finger so it doesn’t fall on the bottom or in soiled water whereas filling. To maintain the filter flowing correctly, LifeStraw features a syringe so you possibly can backflush the filter to maintain it clear.

Finest Insulated: Philips Go Zero On a regular basis Bottle

Key Options

• Capability: 32 ounces (acknowledged); 32 ounces (precise)
• Filters out chlorine
• Third-party testing solely 
• Filter Sort: Activated carbon fiber

Professionals

• Insulated development retains water colder longer
• Pop lid is satisfying to make use of
• Produces nice tasting water

Cons

• Doesn’t filter out something past massive particles and chlorine
• Considerably tougher to drink out of than dearer choices

In case your main cause for wanting a filtered water bottle is to have nice tasting water, the Philips Go Zero is a brilliant alternative. Not solely does it take away chlorine and particulates from water, guaranteeing it would style nice, however it’s additionally insulated, so your chilly water will keep chilly longer. Simply needless to say this filter is just not the proper alternative if you’re involved in regards to the security of your water, because it doesn’t take away micro organism, protozoa, viruses, lead, PFAS, or different harmful chemical compounds. 

Finest Finances: Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle

Key Options

• Capability: 36 ounces
• Filters out chlorine
• NSF 42 
• Filter Sort: Activated carbon filter

Professionals

• Is available in a wide range of enjoyable colours
• Insulated development retains water colder longer
• Pop lid is satisfying to make use of
• Produces nice tasting water

Cons

• Doesn’t filter out something past massive particles and chlorine
• Considerably tougher to drink out of than dearer choices

Not solely was the Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle the least costly in my check, however it was additionally the favourite of my 4 yr outdated. Was it the pink shade? Most likely, however these aesthetic selections ought to be prime of thoughts when selecting a filtered water bottle, because the extra you want your bottle, the extra probably you might be to truly drink from it. Sadly, it was barely tougher to drink out of, a perform of the filter part being nearer to the highest of the filter than the underside (the Philips GoZero additionally shared this unlucky design), however this was solely a nominal consideration. It filtered the chlorine style out of my water simply high-quality, even when that was the one factor that it managed to do. 

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for the Finest Filtered Water Bottles

What Are You Attempting to Filter?

As I realized whereas engaged on this story, it’s simple to name your self a filtered water bottle and never filter out all that a lot. Earlier than making a purchase order, take into account your causes for making a purchase order. Are you fearful about lead? Micro organism? Not every thing labeled “filtered water bottle” is able to eradicating these impurities. Examine the bottle’s certifications and testing earlier than making a ultimate buy. And if, on the finish of the day, all you might be actually on the lookout for is a filter that may make the water popping out of your faucet style a bit of bit higher, that’s high-quality too—one of many extra reasonably priced choices on this checklist shall be a greater match for what you might be on the lookout for. 

Style

Many individuals are on the lookout for a filtered water bottle merely to enhance the style of their present faucet or nicely water. That is particularly widespread for people who’re consuming water from a municipal water provide. The EPA places limits on 90 totally different contaminants for municipal water provides, together with arsenic and herbicides,  Nonetheless, chlorine is often used to neutralize any lingering micro organism or viruses, which may negatively influence the style of the consuming water popping out of your faucet, despite the fact that it’s protected to drink. The chlorine has already killed organic contaminants so it’s protected to then filter it out for a much less distinct taste.

Ease of Use

A water bottle that’s overly difficult to make use of will find yourself behind your cupboard in a matter of weeks. Contemplate your endurance for refilling your bottle, altering the filter, and sucking the water by the filter earlier than making a ultimate alternative. 

FAQs

Why Belief Outside Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a number one authority in testing and reviewing searching gear, fishing deal with, weapons and taking pictures tools, and way more. We’ve got greater than a century-long historical past of evaluating merchandise, and we’re now bringing that experience to on-line opinions. Our editors are skilled outdoorsmen and girls, and most significantly, we’re skilled journalists. We prioritize area testing and goal information when reviewing merchandise. We conduct interviews with gear producers and engineers in addition to out of doors specialists in order that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Promoting doesn’t affect our gear opinions and it by no means will. Whereas we at all times focus our protection on standout merchandise—as a result of we wish our readers to concentrate on the newest and biggest gear—we additionally cowl the failings and quirks of any given product.

Last Ideas

Whether or not you’re buying a filtered water bottle to arrange for worldwide journey, take care of contamination in your house nicely provide, or simply enhance the style of your every day consuming water, there are a selection of choices out there. Evaluating your wants towards the specs supplied within the above desk will provide help to to find out which water filter is in the end best for you.